There’s something truly special about a journey filled with ‘firsts’. And my recent trip to Los Angeles and Las Vegas, hosted by IHG Hotels & Resorts, was exactly that - a string of firsts, each more memorable than the last.

Welcome to LA: First Impressions

Kicking off with a premium economy flight from London Heathrow to Los Angeles, my excitement for the days ahead was already sky-high (pun intended). Touching down in California for the very first time, I was spoiled from the get-go. Our stay began at the fabulous InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown, where we were treated to a brief show-around of the property, followed by a dinner that showcased the creativity of the head chef. It was a great way to meet some of my fellow hosted buyers and get into the spirit of things.

A Taste of Hollywood and NFL Glamour

The next day started with an early morning hike to one of LA's most iconic landmarks - the Hollywood sign. Our charming guide, an aspiring actress/comedian, kept the group entertained with her wit and insight. Her talent was undeniable, and I suspect her big break isn’t far off.

Following our hike, we headed to SoFi Stadium for my first-ever NFL experience. While I may not generally be a sports fan, watching the game from a luxurious pitch-side suite with full hospitality access was nothing short of spectacular. The atmosphere, complete with great weather and a vibrant crowd, made it a truly unforgettable day. Plus, seeing the cheerleaders perform right in front of our suite was such a unique touch to the experience!

Party Bus Vibes and Manhattan Beach Dining

After the game, we all piled into our shuttle-bus-turned-party-bus and enjoyed what became a sing-along extravaganza on wheels! The energy was contagious, and our faces hurt from laughing by the time we reached our dinner destination which was a trendy Mexican restaurant near the beautiful Manhattan Beach.

Santa Monica Style: The Regent Hotel

The next morning, we visited the newly opened Regent Hotel in Santa Monica. To say the hotel is stunning would be an understatement. We enjoyed an incredible lunch at Orla, their Mediterranean restaurant, which honestly ranks as one of the best meals I’ve ever had. The serene atmosphere of Santa Monica combined with the Regent’s elegance was the perfect way to wind down before heading to our next stop - Las Vegas.

Viva Las Vegas: IMEX and All Its Glory

This was my first time attending IMEX America and my first time experiencing the larger-than-life vibe of Las Vegas. We stayed at the stunning Venetian Hotel, and on our first night, I opted for a more laid-back exploration of the Strip, capping the evening with a take-out dinner in my luxurious room.

The next day was all about IMEX: An awesome whirlwind of meetings, networking, and educational sessions. The event itself was massive, but impressively well-organised, and I found my rhythm quickly. Leaving the show in the afternoon was a bit chaotic with all the Formula 1 preparations going on in the city, but I resisted the urge to walk back to my hotel, heeding the advice of some IMEX veterans: Vegas may look close-knit, but those distances are deceiving!

A Night to Remember at Delilah's

The real highlight of the Vegas leg and probably the entire trip was an absolutely magical evening at the super elegant Delilah’s in the Wynn Hotel. IHG had booked out this modern-day ‘supper club’, and the night was an unforgettable blend of free-flowing cocktails, gourmet dining, first-class service, and enchanting entertainment. Seated right by the stage, I had front-row views of the live performances, and by the end of the night, tables were moved around us as everyone was up and dancing. The night came to a spectacular conclusion when a few night-owls went out to witness the implosion of the Tropicana Hotel - a real “only in Vegas” moment!

Day Two of IMEX and Some Fun at Flight Club

The second day of IMEX felt much more relaxed as everyone found their groove. My schedule was packed with 1:1 meetings with global venues and suppliers, as well as some short but fascinating sessions on topics like AI in Events and Meeting Rooms of the Future. After a busy day, I took advantage of some downtime by lounging poolside with a good book - a perfect way to recharge after a busy day.



That evening, we were off to Flight Club Las Vegas for some friendly competition, which proved to be a super fun networking activity. The night was full of laughter, darts, and a little healthy (debatable!) rivalry, all set against the vibrant backdrop of Las Vegas nightlife.

Wrapping Up at IMEX and Final Reflections

The final day of IMEX flew by, with a few last meetings and a chance to walk the show floor before everything wound down. With some extra time to spare, a few of us headed out for a quick shopping spree at the outlets to further fill our already-overstuffed-with-souvenirs suitcases. As a final farewell, our flight home gave us a stunning view of the Las Vegas Strip, illuminated in all its brilliance - a perfect ending to an incredible trip.

Reflecting on the trip, I couldn’t be more thankful for the tremendous hospitality provided by IHG Hotels & Resorts. From LA to Vegas, from luxury suites to show-stopping supper clubs, and from NFL games to IMEX, this journey was packed with unforgettable moments and truly valuable connections.

Thank you, IHG Hotels & Resorts, for an incredible experience!

Catia Rocha
Project Manager at Activate